Best Easy Picadillo Recipe

Seasoned ground beef cooked with tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots in a savory Mexican sofrito. A versatile family staple that works for meal prep, freezer storage, and fits a 1500 calorie plan.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#Diabetic Friendly #Mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • russet potato 1 cup
  • carrot 1 cup
  • Roma tomato 1 cup
  • white onion 0.5 cup
  • green bell pepper 0.5 cup
  • garlic 2 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • tomato paste 1 tbsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1.25 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 27 g 32%
Protein 21 g 25%
Fat 15 g 43%
Serving size 275g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 4 minutes.

  2. 2

    Stir in garlic and cook for another minute, then add ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until browned with no pink remaining, about 6 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add tomato paste, Roma tomatoes, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, allowing the tomato and spices to meld with the beef.

  4. 4

    Add diced potatoes and carrots to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 12 minutes — stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

  5. 5

    Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to soften vegetables and allow excess moisture to evaporate, creating a thick, hearty mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Picadillo recipe?
Ground beef is the defining core ingredient of this Picadillo, providing savory flavor and meaty texture. Combined with russet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and a classic Mexican sofrito base, it forms the heart of the dish.
Q. What is the most important heat control step to prevent overcooking?
When adding diced potatoes and carrots, it's crucial to reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. This ensures gentle cooking, so the vegetables soften without turning mushy or burning, while the beef remains juicy.
Q. How can I prevent the Picadillo from getting soggy or watery?
After uncovering the skillet in the final step, simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and creates a thick, hearty mixture. Stir occasionally so everything heats evenly and the texture stays just right.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving for Picadillo?
Each 275 g serving of Picadillo provides approximately 340 kcal, with 27 g carbohydrates (32% of calories), 21 g protein (25%), and 15 g fat (43%). This balance makes it suitable for moderate carb and protein meal planning.
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